Law Experience Days

Gaining a snapshot of the most important courts in the country is a precious and privileged moment for anyone interested in a career in law. Kalisher achieves this by organising forensically challenging, awe-inspiring Law Experience Days at the Royal Courts of Justice and the Central Criminal Court (The Old Bailey), supported by Kalisher trustees and patrons and led by The Rt. Hon. Lady Justice Rafferty.

‘Junior Barristers’ present evidence to a judge

Advised by practising barristers from distinguished sets of chambers, pupils and teachers are split into groups and participate in a legal challenge exercise: the trial of two bouncers accused of assault.

Each pupil, as a ‘junior barrister’, must play a part in formulating the case for or against the defendants and then stand to present a short argument/submission to the judge in a courtroom.

Unlike scripted mock trials, everything is determined by the strength, quality and persuasiveness of the evidence. As one head commented:

“Thank you for a truly exceptional day (and an experience that will live long in the memory of both students and staff). The surroundings are impressive in themselves, but for the young people to have the opportunity to access and interact with professionals at the leading edge of their profession is truly inspirational.”
Head, Skegness Grammar School

At the end of the trial, the judge delivers a reasoned judgement.

Questioning real judges and barristers

Eminent judges and barristers outline their career paths, sometimes from humble educational beginnings, and answer questions. This is followed by a question and answer session on the law, a carefully crafted second opportunity to ask about ways into the profession.

All pupils are presented with a Kalisher handbook, ‘Pathways to Law”, devised by practising barristers, showing the different routes leading to the criminal Bar.

Law in action

After a tour of the Royal Courts of Justice and lunch, the pupils watch proceedings in the Court of Appeal Criminal Division and in the Central Criminal Court (also known as The Old Bailey).

Gallery of images: